The passenger who tragically died Friday, November 7 on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship has been identified as 18-year-old Anna Kepner.
“She had a way of lighting up a room,” her family told ABC News. “If you were sad, she’d make you laugh. She would joke around and was the funniest little person in school.”
Prior to her death, Anna recently completed the test to join the military, her family told the publication. “She was already talking to recruiters and had chosen her career path. She wanted to do something that would help her community.”
“She was a people person,” they added. “She loved being around others. She had an energy that drew people in with her smile and the way she carried herself. She was such an easy person to talk to.”
The 18-year-old was a popular student at Temple Christian School in Titusville. “Anna was the best child you could ever meet,” her family continued. “We’ll always remember her for who she was.”
Temple Christian School also shared a heartbreaking message on Facebook, shared by one of her former teachers. “You were a bright, kind-hearted young woman whose presence brought warmth and energy into the classroom. Your curiosity, your gentle spirit, and the way you cared for those around you made a lasting impression on me and on everyone who knew you.”
Kepner was especially close to her grandmother, her family said. The high school cheerleader maintained a TikTok account where she posted fun videos lip-syncing songs with her grandma and on her own.
In May, she shared an eerie video from a Carnival cruise with the caption, “I wanna go back.”
On October 1, she shared her senior pictures on Instagram, captioning the glamorous photos, “Senior pictures 2026 💋.”
Friends and strangers alike have been leaving messages of support on her social media pages. “Rest in paradise 🕊️,” wrote one friend, while another added, “Forever in my heart, bby girl ♥️🕊️.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. Carnival Cruise Line has pledged full cooperation with the FBI.
